Very beautiful post Jodi. You hit it right on. Too often do we live our lives thinking about so many things as in your poem, but how often do we take the time to really focus on someone else and to ensure they are doing okay and having a good day. I think people today become too distracted in life by so many things that often times they forget what truly is important in life. Love Gary

The funny thing is I do want to know these things when I meet people. I love meeting new people and really learning about them. What makes them tick. The deep questions. But is it crossing the lines of social graces? Do people really want to talk about these things? Is it off-putting? Do I appear “nebby?” Small talk is ok, but I love deep meaningful conversations. It is what forms relationships and that is what I think life is about. Just how I think lol. 😐💛

Digging deeper…it’s a talent to be able to connect this way with others. Today there seems to be no opportunities for it. Hard to do with a text! It’s what happens when you are face to face without distractions. (K)

An interesting piece of writing Jodi because we are, in general, bound by what is socially acceptable when asking questions. Would I go up to a total stranger and ask their name or how old they are? Of course not…. but I will often inquire about their dog! We know so many people as Buster’s Mom, Buddy’s Dad, or “That’s where Rocky’s Mom lives!”

We really should break down these social barriers and ask questions. It would not only be an education, but it also affirms the existence of, and an interest in, the other person. Of course we must be prepared to give answers to! 🙂

Very beautifully written and thought provoking! I know that I’ve asked myself these questions on a regular basis, then consider if the answers I give are satisfactory to me or if changes are needed. Outside of my own children, I have never asked anyone else. I suppose that is mostly due to the time of my upbringing, when it was not considered polite or acceptable behavior. Times are different, maybe it is time to be more inquisitive. Thank-you!

I think if we took more time to ask questions maybe there would be less violence in this world… I like to ask the deep questions too and ponder my own answers. Good questions to think about – thank you for asking. 😊❤️

Nice one, Jodi. Do you know, the odd thing, for me, is that I can’t think of answers to some of those questions. I’m even struggling with your last one, but I can answer that with my usual ‘OK’.
How’s your day been? 🙂

Jodi, some of the most scary questions I have been asked in life are: What do I want?, What do I like?, etc. I am still trying to figure this out. It has been very frustrating for my husband. His strategy is to listen to hear me say that I like something or hint that I would like to have something… and then it appears! Over the past several years, the drums chose me and I do love playing the drums. Also, my husband bought me a bike for my birthday last year and then an electric bicycle this past birthday. And I very much love riding my e-bike so much. So this is a good start!

Oh blue. It hurts my heart that these questions are scary to you. That is so devastating. What a thoughtful husband you have to be so conscientious ! I hope some day you can answer these proudly and confidently as you deserve.

Wow… profound questions. Not sure if I would be comfortable asking these questions to a stranger ..
Most of the answers were pointing towards me, myself .. my dreams , my aspirations, my hopes …. But then, that’s what life is all about , right .. What I make of my life..

This is so true, Jodi. We want to ask the questions that would let us really get to know someone, and really find out what they are thinking and feeling, and yet it’s so hard to do that. One thing I have found that helps a little is that even when we ask the “polite” questions, we can sometimes get a more honest answer if we show we are truly ready to listen.
I remember shortly after my father died, one of my human society friends came up and sat down next to me on the bench outside the adoption wings. She simply asked, “How are you doing?” But it was clear that she really wanted to know, and she sat there looking at me, waiting for a full answer. Which made it so much easier for me to really tell her exactly what I was feeling, rather than simply saying (politely but dishonestly), “I’m fine.”

Funny thing is it is not hard for me to ask because I am truly genuinely interested. I just think people are taken aback. And hubby always says I’m crossing lines and being “nebby.” 😬. I just really always want to know about people. About what makes them tick. I don’t know how to explain best. I just truly love deep conversations and connections. I think it is what life is about and our purpose. Just saying. Who knows. Lol

I think it is terrific that you ask those questions, because it shows you really care! And I understand, because I’m also always wanting to know what makes people tick. Maybe it is the writer in us that makes us so interested in motivations and truth, but whatever it is, it’s a good thing. A life without a purpose is a life wasted, I think! Keep on being you, Jodi. The world needs it!

I believe you could ask one or two of these with a sincere, quiet tone of voice and someone would maybe *sigh* or look relieved. You may allow something to be shared which will touch both your lives, Jodi. 💕